The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-12-16
A FARMERS MISTAKE.

world if it wasntfor one thing" exclaip-
ed Jack Newman sadly.
A stream clear as crystal and deliciously
cool ran through the meadow and almost
formed a circle around the great apple
tree under which Jack had sought shelter
from the hot rays of tie MONDAY sun.
The boy plunged his hand into the brook
aud brought to the surface number of
glistening pebbles. As they dropped
through his fingers back into the water he
sighed, and tear rolled down his brown
cheek.
s'Father used to say that could go to
college, but now Jack covered his
face with his hands and great sob came
up into his throat and almost choked him.
''1'm quite sure that cider is the cause
of our trouble" continued the boy.
s.Father says that cider is better than
water. He sends it to the men in the
field three or four times day / over
heard Nat Morton tell one of them that
cider was not strong enough to satisfy
MIN noW. ile sdiu THAI NC hcPt uiiioeii
from drinking anything stronger than tea
or coffee for long time, because his faith
er died drunkard and be didn't want to
follow his example. But when he came
to work for father he saw everybody
drinking cider, so he thought he ought to
drink it too. Yesterday father wanted
me to drink a glass of cider; lie was very
angry because 7 refused He raised his
hand and l thought he meant to strike
me. 1t almost breaks my heart to act as
though had forgotten to honor my faith
err, but it isn't rightm cried Jack, indig-
nantly. ''And will refuse to-"
"What isn't right, Jack, and what will
you refuse to do? said low, sweet voice.
''How you startled me, Gracie," ex-
claimed Jack, brushing away the tell-tale
tears. "You will think me a great baby
to give way like this; but everything
seemed so quiet and peaceful here, so diff
ferent from the noisy talk of the men in
the field, couldn't help thinking of
| the change in father--how kind he used
to be; now we seldom hear 4 kind word.
Then thought Of mothers pale sad face,
and then broke down and made baby
Of myself.
Jacks twin sister, Oracle, raised cor
ner of her apron to wipe away the tears of
sympathy that fell from her dark eyes.
GIVE been worried about things for
ever so long," said Oracle in trembling
voice.
''That horrid, red-faced, man, who
brought father all those black bottles fill
ed with brandy, came again this morning,
He was very angry about something and
told father if he didn't have the money
ready at the end of ten days he would take
our pony. ] wouldn't care so much about
losing Topsy if father was only different, -
said Oracle, wipng away the fast falling
tears. ''Father came into the kitchen
| this morning while mother and were pre-
pairing dinner He acted very queer and
| would have fallen ON the stove if hadn't
| caught hold of his arm. Mother looked
| at him in q grieved way. Then he said
something that did not hear, but moth
er's face turned white and she pressed
her hand on her heart, just the way she
often does now. Ok Jack! If God takes
mother hope he will take us too.''
Oracle laid her head on Jacks shoulder
| and sobbed aloud.
''Hush, Grace," said Jack in husky
voice. "It is wicked to say You want tc
die. Perhaps we can do something to save
father and the men,
I--don't-know, said Oracle hesitat-
ingly. s'We might go to father and ask
him to stop drinking the dreadful stuff
but-but-I feel afraid of father when he
he isn't himself, He use TO be so kind
to us; but now"
''I'll tell you what We can dove car
pray" said Jack eagerly.
| The brother and sister knelt upon the
soft, velvety grass, and in simple, earnest
language, pleaded for the salvation of the
parent who was still very dear to them.
| As Jack and Oracle rose from theii
knees little bird that was perched On a
bough directly over them warbled a loud,
sweet song of joyous melody. They paused
| for a moment to listen to the little songster
then, it'll lightened hearts and renewed
courage, slowly wendell their way towards
pretty white farm house, that could be
seen through the trees in the distance.
| Suddenly sound like half stifed
moan breaks upon the air. A clump oil
bushes, close by, are agitated by some
one, and the next moment tall, broad
shoudered man stands upon the spot SC
lately occupied by Jack and his twin sis
sister.
| We do not need an introduction to the
stranger, for the broad, white forehead
crisp brown locks, and fearless, darl
eyes proclaim his relationship to Jack
| The father had overheard every wore
spoken by his children, and, as he paced
to and fro under the apple tree the trou
bled expression upon his countenanct
deepened As he raised his hand to lifI
the dark locks that lay damp and heavy
upon his forehead two great tears rolled
| down his sunburned cheeks.
Every word they uttered ran through
my heart like dagger?" cried farmer
| Newman. at is wonder that my